Smectic layering: Landau theory for a complex-tensor order parameter

Abstract

Composed of microscopic layers that stack along one direction while maintaining fluid-like positional disorder within layers, smectics are excellent systems for exploring topology, defects and geometric memory in complex confining geometries. However, the coexistence of crystalline-like characteristics in one direction and fluid-like disorder within layers makes lamellar liquid crystals notoriously difficult to model—especially in the presence of defects and large distortions. Nematic properties of smectics can be comprehensively described by the Q ̲ ̲ -tensor; however, lamellar order can exist independent of nematic alignment. To capture the features of the smectic layering alone, we develop a phenomenological Landau theory for a complex-tensor order parameter E ̲ ̲ , which is capable of describing the local degree of lamellar ordering, layer displacement, and orientation of the layers. This theory accounts for both parallel and perpendicular elastic contributions. In addition to resolving the potential ambiguities inherent to complex scalar order parameter models, this model reduces to previously employed models of simple smectics, and opens new possibilities for numerical studies on smectics possessing many defects, within complex geometries and under extreme confinement.